A Statement From The Celebration
Thursday, July 28, 2011

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Editor's Note:  The Walking Horse Report received the following statement from The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration.  The statement is to clarify the facts around a meeting held last week at the Calsonic Arena.

The Celebration has received several inquiries regarding the meeting with a group of trainers on Wednesday, July 20, 2011.  Apparently, there are a number of inaccurate statements now circulating and for that reason The Celebration is releasing the following statement.

1.) The meeting was put together in less than 32 hours at the request of a number of trainers who wanted to discuss some matters with The Celebration.  It was not a Celebration-driven meeting and there was no intention to exclude anyone.  The trainers who contacted Dr. Meadows were invited as well as several others that were recommended.

2.) There was no intention to exclude anyone and shortly before the meeting Dr. Meadows was told that several trainers were upset about not being invited and were coming anyway.

3.) The Celebration, just like any other business, reserves the right to meet with whoever they want whenever they want without being forced or pressured to include or exclude anyone.  The decision was made to go ahead with the meeting and steps were taken to deal with anyone who tried to force their way into or disrupt the meeting.

4.) A trainer came to the meeting even though he was not invited. Prior to the meeting's start, Dr. Meadows told the trainer he was not invited and excused him. Dr. Meadows also told that trainer he would be more than happy to meet with him the next day if he would call him.  There was no disruption to the meeting and the trainer left willingly.  No other trainers attempted to attend the meeting.

5.) This was not an “official” meeting in any form or fashion but was merely an opportunity for some trainers to talk to The Celebration in an unofficial capacity. There were no decisions made and everyone left the meeting with a commitment to enhance and improve the communication and cooperation between their organizations.

6.) Trainers in attendance included Brad Davis, Knox Blackburn, Allan Callaway, Jimmy McConnell, David Landrum, Joe Fleming, Mickey McCormick, Link Webb, Rodney Dick, Laurie Toone, Bill Callaway, John Allan Callaway, Bill and Chris Bobo.  Trainers invited but unable to attend were Larry and Gary Edwards and Chad Williams.

7.) Due to the short notice, only President Henry Hulan and Director David Howard attended from The Celebration.

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